How I Built This with Guy Raz Burt's Bees: Roxanne Quimby (2019)
Aug 23, 2021
Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of Burt's Bees, shares her remarkable journey from living off the grid in Maine to creating a beloved natural personal care brand. She discusses her partnership with beekeeper Burt Shavitz, the evolution from selling honey to iconic beeswax products like lip balm, and the innovative marketing that set Burt's Bees apart. Roxanne also reflects on her commitment to conservation and the delicate balance between ambition and simplicity that defined their entrepreneurial path.
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Boot Food Disaster
- A major early disaster involved spilling five gallons of "boot food" on the floor.
- The smelly mixture of beeswax, neatsfoot oil, and bear grease was a setback.
Lip Balm Success
- Burt's Bees lip balm, introduced in 1991, became a top seller.
- The simple, scalable skincare production led them to discontinue candles.
Strategic Relocation
- Relocating to North Carolina improved logistics and access to resources.
- The move lowered expenses and provided access to skilled workers.